LEEDS, England (AP) — Leeds United scored twice in four minutes in a dominant first half then added a third soon after halftime in beating Nottingham Forest 3-1 for a massive boost in its fight against Premier League relegation on Friday.
Leeds' fourth Friday night win in a row lifted it nine points clear of the relegation zone and equal on points with the two clubs above it, Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur.
Forest's four-game unbeaten league run came to an unceremonious end, and remained in 17th place.
Leeds started the better side and led after 26 minutes.
With the Forest defense static, Jayden Bogle ran on to a superb through ball from Ilia Gruev and poked it under the hesitant keeper.
Four minutes later, Noah Okafor broke a 16-game scoring drought to make it 2-0. But much the credit went to James Justin, who started the move on the right flank and saw his shot parried into the path of the former Napoli and AC Milan winger who made no mistake.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin completed the scoring three minutes into the second half when he dived to chest Gruev’s ball into the box past Stefan Ortega.
Lorenzo Lucca’s consolation goal for Forest with six minutes remaining did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the home fans at Elland Road.
“It is always nice to take the three points back to the training ground," Justin said. “We deserved them, we put in the graft.
"Some of the football we played tonight was some of the best we’ve played all season. To put in a performance like that is a big one in the league.”
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 07: Andy Ibanez #77 of the Detroit Tigers hits an RBI single during the ninth inning against the Seattle Mariners in game three of the American League Division Series at Comerica Park on October 07, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Athletics made two minor roster moves today as they continue shaping their 2026 club.
First, the A’s claimed 32-year-old Cuban infielder Andy Ibáñez off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers. With their 40-man roster full, the club designated fellow infielder MaxSchuemann for assignment to make room for Ibáñez.
Last month, the Dodgers signed Ibáñez to a one-year, $1.2 million contract, only to release him earlier this week when they reclaimed outfielder Mike Siani. They hoped to keep the out-of-options player in their organization, yet the A’s claimed him.
Ibáñez spent the last three seasons with the Detroit Tigers, carving out a role as a platoon utility player thanks to his .280 career batting average against left-handed pitching. In 2025, he accumulated four home runs and 21 RBIs in 91 games.
After trading for second baseman Jeff McNeil earlier this winter, the A’s acquired Ibáñez to compete with youngsters Darrell Hernaiz, MaxMuncy and Brett Harris this spring for playing time at third base this year. All four candidates bat right handed, ruling out a third base platoon. Ibáñez also brings the defensive versatility the A’s value, with MLB experience at second base, first base, shortstop, and both corner outfield spots.
Unfortunately, Schuemann’s time with the franchise could be over unless he sneaks through waivers and returns as non-roster depth. Ibáñez’s arrival made Schuemann’s presence redundant as the club does not need that many offensively-challenged utility players.
Schuemann debuted in April 2024 and took over as the team’s starting shortstop for most of that season. However, Jacob Wilson’s emergence and Schuemann’s offensive struggles pushed him back into a part-time utility role last year. Given his defensive versatility and minor-league options remaining, another team will likely claim Schuemann on waivers unless they all bypass him due to his tepid offense.
In addition, the team reportedly agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract with free-agent right handed relief pitcher Scott Barlow. Entering his ninth season, Barlow brings vast experience pitching in late-game situations to what is otherwise an inexperienced A’s bullpen. Last year, he appeared in 75 games with the Cincinnati Reds, going 6-3 with a 4.21 ERA. This is a low-cost move that fills a need, although Barlow will have to limit the free passes and get over allowing Nick Kurtz’s monster 493 ft grand slam at Sutter Health Park in September. At the very least, he cannot be worse than José Leclerc.
What do you think of these two moves A’s fans? Are you sad to see Schuemann go or is it the right call to jettison him from the 40-man? Who should the A’s sign next?
A’s were looking for a versatile infielder with experience and Ibañez fits the bill with plenty of time at 3B and 2B while also playing some 1B and OF.
Decision to DFA Max Schuemann was no doubt a tough one. Would expect him to join A’s in spring as a NRI if he clears waivers. https://t.co/KUny27ga55
VERONA, Italy (AP) — Verona and Pisa drew 0-0 in a dire game that reflected the clubs’ positions at the foot of Serie A on Friday.
Both teams had new managers on the sidelines and were looking for the three points that might kickstart what looks set to be a long and arduous fight against relegation.
But neither team managed a shot on target in the first 45 minutes and it wasn’t until the final minutes that either side showed any urgency.
A header from Pisa’s Stefano Moreo hit the woodwork and although both goalkeepers were forced to make crucial stops to thwart counterattacks no goal was forthcoming.
Verona remains last, behind Pisa on goal difference.
BERLIN (AP) — Union Berlin drew with Eintracht Frankfurt 1-1 in a poor Bundesliga game that came alive in the final minutes with two goals and a red card on Friday.
After 83 scrappy minutes, Nathaniel Brown put Frankfurt ahead with a rasping shot from 15 meters. Substitute Mahmoud Dahoud mistimed his scissor kick but the ball fell perfectly for Brown to volley home.
The goal set up the visitor for its first win in nine games but its hopes crumbled just seconds later.
Oscar Højlund was sent off for a second bookable offense two minutes after his side took the lead and Leopold Querfeld scored from the resulting penalty.
The draw meant both clubs were still looking for their first win of 2026.
The late implosion was particularly galling for Albert Riera, who took over as Frankfurt coach this week and was denied a starting three points. One bright spot was the team’s defensive display. Friday’s game was the first in eight this year in which it has not conceded at least two goals.
Frankfurt was seventh in the table, three points ahead of Berlin in ninth.
Sep 20, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman Andy Ibanez (77) hits a run-scoring single in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Andy Ibáñez experience with the Dodgers lasted all of 24 days. The A’s claimed the veteran infielder off waivers on Friday, just three days after Ibáñez was bumped off the 40-man roster in Los Angeles.
Ibáñez was designated for assignment on Tuesday when the Dodgers claimed outfielder Michael Siani in one of his many waiver transactions this winter.
That meant fewer opportunities for Ibáñez, who has played mostly second and third base throughout his career.
There might be more opportunities for playing time in Sacramento, though the A’s this winter also traded for Jeff McNeil and have an infield that already includes first baseman Nick Kurtz and shortstop Jacob Wilson, along with Zack Gelof, who is coming off surgery late last season.
Ibáñez in parts of five seasons with the Texas Rangers and Detroit Tigers is a .254/.305/.389 hitter with a 92 wRC+, including .280/.327/.452 with a 115 wRC+ against left-handed pitchers. He turns 33 in April.
While the Detroit Red Wings were listed as a potential landing spot for Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson, he was ultimately dealt within the Western Conference to the Vegas Golden Knights.
However, that doesn't mean that the door is closed for a potential deal with Andersson's former team.
As part of the package to acquire Andersson, the Golden Knights sent defenseman Zach Whitecloud (along with defenseman prospect Abram Wiebe, a conditional 2027 first-round pick, and a conditional 2028 second-round pick).
Not only does Whitecloud fit the bill of a right-shot defenseman with top-four potential, but he's also signed through 2028 with a reasonable $2.75 million cap hit.
While Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman is known for keeping his cards close to the vest, NHL insider Darren Dreger recently suggested that Detroit, positioned as a buyer at the NHL Trade Deadline, is not interested in rentals and would prefer players with term.
The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Whitecloud, a native of Brandon, Manitoba, was named a 2017–18 WCHA Scholar-Athlete and earned WCHA All-Academic Team honors while playing for Bemidji State University.
He began his NHL career with the Golden Knights, who signed him to a three-year entry-level contract in 2018.
He gained his first extended taste of NHL action during the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs, appearing in 20 games for Vegas, and followed that by playing in 51 of 56 regular-season games of the COVID-shortened 2020–21 campaign.
In October 2021, he signed a six-year, $16.5 million extension with Vegas, whom he'd eventually help win the Stanley Cup in 2023. While appearing in 22 postseason games, Whitecloud scored two goals and added six assists.
Since his acquisition by the Flames, Whitecloud has routinely seen time on Calgary's second defensive pairing and is a regular on their first penalty-killing unit.
At 29, Whitecloud is still in the prime of his career and would be a sensible option for the Red Wings to consider from the rebuilding Flames.
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MLB might not have a salary cap (at least not yet, anyway).
But the league’s current rules were designed, at the least, to make it harder for the biggest-spending teams to maintain highly ranked farm systems –– using draft pick penalties and international signing pool restrictions to, in theory, prevent clubs with the largest MLB payrolls from also being able to replenish their minor-league ranks.
Eduardo Quintero post on Instagram
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Once again, however, the Dodgers have found a way to break the mold.
In the run-up to spring training next week, industry outlets have begun releasing their farm system rankings for 2026. And on almost every list, the Dodgers’ pipeline remains right near the top, earning a top-five nod from most publications (albeit with a couple exceptions, most notably a No. 13 ranking from Baseball America) and the No. 1 spot in a poll of fellow major league executives conducted by MLB.com last month.
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For Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, preserving such farm system strength has long been a primary organizational goal. And while it’s “much easier to say than to do,” he acknowledged in a recent interview with The California Post, it’s become a key component to the club’s recent run of dominance; helping the Dodgers to restock their big-league clubhouse with depth, plug roster holes through the trade market and even woo top free agents with the promise of long-term sustainability.
“It’s funny. I remember in our meeting with Shohei (Ohtani), before he made his decision (as a free agent two offseasons ago), we were walking through, however you define the success of our previous 10 years, we felt like we were well-positioned to have an even better run in the next 10 years, despite all the factors working against us, (because of) having a strong farm system,” Friedman said. “I remember going through that, and got to the end, and Shohei just looked at me and goes, ‘How? How are you guys able to do that?’”
Over the last few years, the answer has required some non-traditional methods.
Since 2022, the Dodgers have made only two draft picks higher than 40th overall and just seven in the top 90 (a trend unlikely to change this year, when they will lose four of their top six picks as penalties for signing Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz). They’ve seen their international bonus pool, which is used to sign prospects who don’t enter the domestic draft system, annually slashed because of luxury tax penalties (they also had to dedicate almost all of last year’s pool to sign one player, Roki Sasaki).
So, they’ve had to find other ways to preserve their pipeline, relying on diamond-in-the-rough discoveries, developmental success stories and shrewd trade maneuvers to maintain organizational depth.
“For us to be in the top 3-5 in different years, it speaks to organizational harmony,” Friedman said. “We have a high-achieving group that is creating a lot of organizational value.”
Zyhir Hope #21 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws the ball during the 2025 MLB All-Star Futures Game at Truist Park on Saturday, July 12, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. MLB Photos via Getty Images
Start with the Dodgers’ consensus top two prospects: outfielders Josue De Paula and Eduardo Quintero. Both were relative bargains on the international market, signing for a combined total of less than $700,000. But both have blossomed since joining the organization, emerging as top-25 prospects in the entire sport according to Baseball America.
Then, there are the non-homegrown talents. Of the team’s top 10 prospects in ESPN’s recent rankings, only one was drafted by the team, while six were acquired via trade in recent years for players including Gavin Lux, Michael Busch, Dustin May and Matt Beaty.
Most contending clubs, of course, can’t afford to addyoung prospects by trading productive big-league players. But the Dodgers have stockpiled so much talent at the MLB level, they’ve been able to flip superfluous pieces on the trade market.
At last year’s deadline, for example, they added outfielders James Tibbs III and Zach Ehrhard for May (who was in the final year of his contract and being squeezed out of the Dodgers’ rotation). They also snagged an intriguing young pitcher, Adam Serwinoski, in a three-team deal that only cost them Triple-A catcher Hunter Feduccia (that deal also netted the club Ben Rortvedt, who played a key role early in last year’s postseason, and Paul Gervase, a depth reliever currently on the 40-man roster).
Toronto Blue Jays newly acquired pitcher Mike Sirotka throws underhanded 27 February 2001 during morning workouts at the Englebert training complex in Dunedin, Fl. AFP via Getty Images
“That’s always the dream,” Friedman said of being able to add to the pipeline at the deadline. “The price gouging that happens in July on the buy-side is something that makes it easy for every buyer to feel like, ‘Oh, man, it’d be nice to be in a really good position in the standings to be able to reap the reward of this insane seller’s market.’”
This hasn’t been a foolproof plan. Despite their high annual pipeline rankings, the Dodgers have struggled to integrate much of their young talent into the big leagues. During their back-to-back World Series seasons the last two years, Will Smith and Andy Pages were the only farm system products to be mainstays in the lineup. Of this year’s projected starting rotation, only Emmet Sheehan is a homegrown player.
Still, there’s no easier way to sustain long-term success than having a farm system highly valued by the rest of the industry, stocked with players coveted by other clubs and projected for future big-league production.
MLB’s rules were supposed to stop teams like the Dodgers from maintaining such a strength.
Yet, here they remain, boasting the most star-studded roster in the majors, plus a pipeline that continues to be pegged as one of the best in the sport.
The Athletic reported McBride was to have surgery on Friday. Eight weeks from then is April 3 and the Knicks would have five games remaining in the regular season. The first round of the NBA Playoffs is scheduled to start on April 18, which would be 10 weeks from now.
McBride has missed the team's last five games due to "left ankle injury management," having last played on Jan. 27 against the Sacramento Kings. He originally suffered an ankle injury back on Dec. 7, missing nine games before returning on Dec. 29.
The 25-year-old guard has had a career-best season for New York, averaging 12.9 points on 42.0 percent three-point shooting, 2.8 assists, and 2.6 rebounds over 35 games (14 starts). In his absence, head coach Mike Brown will likely rely on a combination of Landry Shamet, Jordan Clarkson, and newly acquired guard Jose Alvarado.
Some of India’s greatest cricketers have been left gobsmacked by the latest feat of prodigious 14-year-old batting talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who produced the most audaciously unthinkable innings in a final to power India to a sixth Under 19 World Cup.
The Buffalo Sabres finished out their pre-Olympic schedule with a 5-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday night. While the Sabres have been a juggernaut since the beginning of December, the club has come down to earth just prior to the break, losing three of their last four games to Montreal, Tampa Bay, and the Penguins.
The Sabres hold the first wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference, with 70 points (32-19-6), one point ahead of the Boston Bruins, and five points in front of the red-hot Columbus Blue Jackets, and Washington Capitals.
Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff spoke to the media following the loss:
What were the reasons for the loss?
You look at the couple of goals that we gave them, We gave them a breakaway off of an offensive zone face off, we give them another goal off, an o-zone face off that we won, odd numbered rush. Our passing definitely wasn't crisp. I think you look at our power play entries, they struggled. I think we missed the net on five of our first six real good opportunities, another sign that you're not quite on your game.
This type of performance has been rare over the last two months.
We we're still knocking on the door. We came out, we got the power play goal at the start of the third, we had a couple of good looks. I think the opportunity was there to claw our way back in, and then we took a late penalty. hitting the goaltender, which penalty you don't really want to take. Giving up that fourth goal, we had possession in the corner, made an errant pass, and they made us pay. We didn't make them pay for some of their mistakes, but they made us pay on the big mistakes we made.
Are you thankful based on how the season started that you are in a playoff spot at the break?
I talked to the team after the game. This is how incredibly tight it's going to be played. You can't have games going like we had. We weren't sharp. There were plays there. When you pass to a wide-open Thompson in front of the net and the puck kind of rolls, it should be in the back of the net, but we missed on opportunities to make them pay, but where we're at, we've worked hard to get where we're at. It's tough going into break when you when you lose a game like that, it's a bad feeling.
Are you confident that the players will hit the ground running after the break?
I have no doubt. We've asked a lot to this point, and they've answered every call we've had. I have no doubt that they're going to do the work that they need to come back and we can be better when we come out of (the break)......It's just another test, really. How you use this time and realizing that the division we're in, the conference we're in, is incredibly tight, so you can't take one step away for granted. And I think they understand that. That's what we talk about all the time. A single point might make the difference at the very end, whether you would have crawled back and tied that game tonight, or if there's another game down the road.
BOSTON — Brad Stevens said Jayson Tatum continues to hit thresholds in his recovery from Achilles surgery on Friday while addressing the Celtics’ trade deadline moves. Boston continues to leave open the door for a Tatum return this season with 31 games remaining, but cautioned that he’s still a ways away in his return. Tatum’s trajectory did not impact how the team navigated the trade deadline, diving below the luxury tax line with four trades and acquiring Nikola Vučevićfor Anfernee Simons.
“I would say it had very little impact on that singular decision, just because at the end of the day, if you look at who you have to go through, the paths you have to take, you just can’t get worn down physically. And we were gonna be much smaller and now we at least have big options. Obviously, any team with Jayson Tatum’s going to be better. So if that happens, that happens, and if it doesn’t, it doesn’t, but we just thought that re-distributing our positional needs was probably the most important thing.”
Stevens did not acknowledge any change in approach or in Tatum’s mindset regarding the return even after his appearance on the Pivot Podcast, which Stevens caught clips of but did not watch. He referred to his own conversations with Tatum on the subject and acknowledged that anyone going through the progression of an extended injury recovery will have numerous thoughts along the way. Tatum wondered how he would fit into the Celtics mid-season on a successful team that’s formed an identity without him. Chris Haynes later reported that Tatum was now re-evaluating returning this season, something Tatum expressed himself in his podcast comments.
Teammates have also acknowledged the mental hurdle Tatum faces through the final stages of his recovery, roughly one week shy of the nine month anniversary of his procedure. Several players who suffered Achilles tears last season returned around this timeframe, albeit with the benefit of full training camps and preseasons to ramp-up. Stevens did not place a deadline on when Tatum would need to return this year before both sides would decide to wait for next year. Instead, they plan to play Tatum when he’s ready to return.
“(It’s) best for Jayson Tatum to come back when he’s 110% healthy, he’s fully clear by everybody that matters in that decision and he’s got great peace of mind and ready to do it. That’s it. That’s the objective and that’s what we’re gonna stick with,” Stevens said. “When we feel 100%, it’ll be his, it’ll be a group getting together and talking, but I think our medical people are really good, I think his doctors are really good, so we’re gonna listen to them, he’s listening to them. I think he and Nick have had an amazing work ethic through this recovery, and when it’s right, then we’ll all sit down and talk about it, but there’s still no force from us, there’s no pressure from us, but there’s also not going to be any of us saying, well, why don’t you take another week? When he’s ready, he’s ready.”
While the personnel moves the Celtics made at the deadline may not have considered Tatum’s availability, they did create a starting lineup hole that Tatum would assuredly fill when the time comes. Joe Mazzulla moved Payton Pritchard to the bench on Tuesday after Boston traded Anfernee Simons, a move Pritchard expected to continue when he spoke after the game. The Celtics did so to balance play-making between the starters and bench, and Baylor Scheierman started both games in his place, his fifth and sixth starts into the new year. Luka Garza also joined the starting unit next to Neemias Queta on Wednesday with multiple starters out, opening the door to the double-big option.
Tatum’s return would inevitably bolster the starting unit’s play-making, shooting and defense, and leave Pritchard to lead the second unit as he did one year ago. That leaves almost nightly questions about who will start unless Scheierman becomes a mainstay, and Tatum’s return will come with the question of how Jaylen Brown and Tatum re-establish their dynamic atop the offense after Brown’s MVP caliber first half to the season. Like other teammates before him, however, Brown embraced Tatum’s return with open arms when asked on
“I’ve been watching his progression and I know mentally, he’s been through ups-and-downs like any other person going through adversity in their career, etc.,” Brown said. “But I just let him know, do what’s best for you, because outside of it just being ysically a setback, mentally, spiritually, emotionally comes into play as well. So even if you’re physically feeling well, make sure your mind, mentally, emotionally and spiritually feel great too. So I trust, we trust his decision-making. Obviously, we’d love to have him back. Winning is the most important thing to me. So being to be able to add to winning and potentially have another deep playoff run is what I’m aiming for, so J.T.‘s a big part of that. Obviously, he has to make the right decision for him and his body … but when it’s time, if he does make that decision, we would love to have him back.”
First, recent free-agent infield signing Andy Ibáñez was reportedly claimed off waivers by the Athletics, after he was designated for assignment earlier in the week. Then, the team announced a waiver claim of its own, re-acquiring catcher Ben Rortvedt from the Reds while designating reliever Anthony Banda for assignment in a corresponding move.
Anthony Banda #43 of the Los Angeles Dodgers poses for a photo during the 2025 World Series photoshoot at the Rogers Centre on Thursday, October 23, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. MLB Photos via Getty Images
The transactions provide some clarity about how the fringes of the team’s opening day roster could look when the season begins next month.
They also mark the departures (or, in Banda’s case, likely departure) of two players who were once expected to be big-league contributors for the two-time defending World Series champions this year –– as well as the return of an unexpected hero from last year’s postseason run.
It was only three weeks ago that the Dodgers signed Ibáñez to a $1.2 million free-agent contract. His addition was supposed to help bolster the club’s infield depth this spring, with second baseman Tommy Edman uncertain for opening day coming off an offseason ankle surgery.
However, Ibáñez was DFA’d this week when the team re-claimed outfielder Michael Siani off waivers from the Yankees (Siani had originally been claimed off waivers by the Dodgers earlier this offseason, but was DFA’d as the corresponding move for Kyle Tucker’s signing in late January).
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In DFA’ing Ibáñez, the Dodgers might have been hoping to slip him through waivers and keep him stashed in the minor leagues as a potential depth option. However, the A’s were willing to take on his contract, ending his Dodgers tenure before he could even report for camp.
The club attempted a similar maneuver earlier this winter with Rortvedt, the backup catcher they initially acquired at last year’s trade deadline and leaned on early in the playoffs while Will Smith was recovering from a hand fracture.
In November, the team quietly agreed to a $1.25 million deal with the arbitration-eligible Rortvedt, then DFA’d him in hopes of sneaking him through waivers and keeping him in the organization. However, the Reds unexpectedly claimed him, leaving former top prospect Dalton Rushing as the team’s only viable backup catching option for 2026.
Anthony Banda #43 of the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on January 31, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images
But things changed again last week, when the Reds DFA’d Rortvedt in order to make room on their roster for free-agent third baseman signing Eugenio Suárez. Thus, the Dodgers scooped Rortvedt back up Friday, bolstering their catching depth with a reliable veteran who started each of their first four playoff games last October.
Because the Dodgers’ 40-man roster is maxed out, re-acquiring Rortvedt forced them to cut someone else loose. Their choice there was Banda, a former journeyman left-hander who emerged as a trustworthy member of the Dodgers bullpen the last two seasons (posting a 3.14 ERA in 119 total appearances) but was also facing stiff competition this spring to make the team’s opening day roster.
The Dodgers already have plenty of left-handed relief depth, with Alex Vesia, Tanner Scott, Jack Dreyer and Justin Wrobleski all also returning from last year’s squad. They added another southpaw, relief prospect Ronan Kopp, to their 40-man roster at the beginning of this offseason, as well.
Thus, the team had considered Banda as a potential trade piece this winter. And now, they will have a week to potentially find a trade partner for him (similar to how they traded another reliever, Ryan Brasier, last offseason after he was DFA’d) before having to put him on waivers.
The Dodgers could also try holding onto Banda, who is signed to a $1.625 million contract this season, and attempt to sneak him through waivers as they did with Rortvedt and Ibáñez previously. But it’s doubtful he would go unclaimed, leaving his chances of remaining with the team –– and finding a new role in their ever-changing roster picture –– slim as spring training approaches.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 15: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball against Norman Powell #24 of the Miami Heat during the first quarter of the game at Kaseya Center on January 15, 2026 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Miami Heat (27-25) at Boston Celtics (33-18) Friday, February 6, 2026 7:30 PM ET Regular Season Game #52 Home Game #25 TV: NBCSB, FDSN Sun, NBA-LP Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub, WQAM 104.3 FM, Sirius XM TD Garden
The Celtics host the Miami Heat for the third of 4 games between them this season. They won 129-116 in Boston on December 19. They won119-114 in Miami on January 15. They will play one more time in Miami on April 1. The Celtics won the series 3-1 last season. They won the two games played in Miami and won one and lost one in Boston. The Celtics are 88-54 overall all time against the Heat. They are 45-24 all time in games played in Boston.
The Celtics made several moves at the trade deadline. They traded Anfernee Simons to Chicago for Nikola Vucevic. They traded Chris Boucher to Utah for John Tonje, a two way player. They converted Amare Williams to a standard contract from two-way. They traded Josh Minott to Brooklyn and they traded Xavier Tillman to Charlotte. The Heat were one of 3 teams, along with the Rockets and Spurs, who stood pat at the deadline.
The Celtics are 3rd in the East, 4.5 games behind 1st place Detroit. They are tied with 2nd place New York, 2.5 games ahead of 4th place Cleveland, 3.5 games ahead of 5th place Philadelphia and 6th place Toronto and 6.5 games ahead of 7th place Miami. The Celtics are 22-12 against Eastern Conference opponents. They are 16-8 at home and 7-3 in their last 10 games. They have won their last 4 games.
The Heat are 7th in the East, 11.5 games behind 1st place Detroit, 4 games behind 4th place Cleveland, 3 games behind 5th place Philadelphia and 6th place Toronto. They are half a game ahead of 8th place Orlando and 3.5 games ahead of 11th place Charlotte. They are 14-15 against Eastern Conference opponents. They are 11-15 on the road and 5-5 in their last 10 games. They are coming off a loss in their last game.
The Celtics just completed a 2 game road trip where they swept Dallas and Houston back to back. After this game against Miami, they will host New York and Chicago for a 3 game home stand, which will take them into the All Star Break. After the break, they will head out on a 4 game Western road trip through Golden State, Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix, and Denver.
This is the first of 2 road games for the Heat. After this game in Boston, they will play at Washington. They will then play Utah at home and New Orleans on the road before the All Star break. After the break, They will play at Atlanta and at home against Memphis before 2 games on the road at Milwaukee and Philadelphia.
The only players on the Celtics injury report at this time are Jayson Tatum as he rehabs from the torn Achilles and John Tonje who is awaiting the trade to be finalized. Jaylen Brown, Sam Hauser and Nikola Vucevic are all currently not on the report. For Miami, Tyler Herro (ribs) and Terry Rozier III (not injury related) are both out.
Probable Starting Matchups PG: Derrick White vs Davion Mitchell
Derrick White | Getty ImagesDavion Mitchell | NBAE via Getty Images
Boston Celtics Reserves Payton Pritchard Jordan Walsh Hugo Gonzalez Luka Garza Nikola Vucevic Amari Williams
2-Way Players Ron Harper, Jr Max Shulga John Tonje
Injuries/Out Jayson Tatum (Achilles) out John Tonje (trade) out
Head Coach Joe Mazzulla
Miami Heat Reserves Kasparas Jakucionis Jaime Jaquez, Jr Keshad Johnson Nikola Jovic Dru Smith Kel’el Ware Simone Fontecchio 2-Way Players Myron Gardner Vladislav Goldin Jahmir Young Injuries/Out Tyler Herro (ribs) out Terry Rozier III (not injury related) out
Head Coach Erik Spoelstra
Key Matchups Jaylen Brown vs Norman Powell Powell is averaging 23points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game. He is shooting 47.2% from the field and 39.2% from beyond the arc. In 2 games against the Celtics so far this season, he averaged 22 points, 3.5 rebounds,2.5 assists and 1 steal while shooting 47.2% from the field and 14.3% from beyond the arc. The Celtics need to defend him well as he is the Heat’s high scorer and can put up a lot of points in a hurry if left open.
Neemias Queta vs Bam Adebayo Adebayo is averaging 18.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.0 steal per game. He is shooting 44.4% from the field and 34.6% from beyond the arc. In the first 2 games against the Celtics, he averaged 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists while shooting 43.8% from the field and 37.5% from beyond the arc. The Celtics need to keep him out of the paint and off the boards.
Honorable Mention Sam Hauser vs Andrew Wiggins Wiggins is averaging 15.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. He is shooting 46.8% from the field and 38.4% from beyond the arc. He didn’t play in the first game against the Celtics but he finished the second game with 16 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists while shooting 50% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc. He is a good shooter and so the Celtics need to defend him well.
Keys to the Game Defense – Defense will always be the biggest key to winning every single game. The Celtics are 11th with a defensive rating of 112.7. The Heat are 4th with a defensive rating of 112.1. The Celtics need to defend the perimeter since the Heat attempt 36.7 threes a game and shoot threes at 36.1%. They also have to defend the paint as the Heat are 3rd with 54.9 points in the paint per game. The Celtics need to work harder than the Heat on defense and make that their priority.
Rebound – Along with defense, rebounding is always a key to winning. As Pat Riley once said “No rebounds, no rings.” The Celtics average 42.5 rebounds per game (9th) while the Heat average 46.6 rebounds per game (2nd). The Celtics out-rebounded the #1 rebounding team, Houston, on Wednesday and they need to put the same effort into rebounding in this game. It takes effort and hustle to get rebounds and the Celtics need to give more effort than the Heat to grab rebounds if they want to win this game.
Effort and Focus for 48 Minutes– The Celtics have to play with extra effort overall for all 4 quarters. In most of their losses and even in some of their wins, they have allowed their opponents to play with more energy than them for periods of time during the game. They play well for stretches but let up and allow their opponents to surge ahead. The Heat are known for playing hard against all of their opponents. They have to stay focused for all 48 minutes and be ready for the heat to play harder in the second half and they need to match that effort and if the 3’s aren’t falling, get into the paint.
Move the Ball Carefully – The Celtics are best when they keep the ball moving and find the open man. They struggle when they try to do too much individually. The Celtics are 21-2 when they have 25 or more assists in a game. The Heat are 5th in the league with 20.3 points off turnovers per game so the Celtics have to make careful passes and be careful not to turn the ball over.
X-Factors Home Game and Fatigue – The Celtics are at home and will have the crowd behind them to give them extra motivation. The Heat will be playing in front of a hostile crowd and in an unfamiliar arena. The Celtics are playing in the 3rd game in 4 nights and have been playing short handed so there may be some fatigue there.
Officiating – Officiating is always an x-factor in every game. Every crew officiates differently. Some call it tight, others let them play. The Celtics need to adjust to how the refs are calling the game and not allow bad calls or no calls to take away their focus from playing the game. The more aggressive team will usually get the benefit of the calls and so the Celtics need to be the more aggressive team.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 28: Victor Mesa Jr. #10 of the Miami Marlins in the game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on May 28, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Jasen Vinlove/Miami Marlins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Tampa Bay Rays have acquired Cuban outfielder Victor Mesa Jr. from the Miami Marlins, adding a left handed fourth outfielder to the Spring Training mix. He has an option remaining, and will be competing with Chandler Simpson and Richie Palacios for an outfield slated to already include two left handed hitters in Jake Fraley and Cedric Mullins.
Signed in 2018 for $1 million, alongside his more heralded brother who signed for more than $5 million but is already out of baseball, Mesa Jr. has been on the fringe of Miami’s top-thirty prospects with a reputation for some swing and miss that was cleaned up in 2025, cutting his strikeout rate from 22% in 2024 to 15% last season. He has generally shown an ability to tighten up his swing mechanics and hitf/x at every level.
Despite a slow start to the year due to a hamstring injury in Spring Training, Mesa Jr. boasted a 136 wRC+ in Triple-A in 42 games before earned his major league promotion in 2025, picking up 34 days of service time over 16 games in his age-23 season, showing some surprising pop in the bat, hitting his first career homerun to the second deck on his birthday:
The return for Mesa Jr. was prospect Angel Brachi, an 18 year old infielder who put up a 142 wRC+ in 228 PA in the DSL. He ranked in the top-50 prospects at FanGraphs last season with a utility infielder projection, which is about the same value Mesa Jr. offers the Rays now.
To make room on the 40-man roster, left handed INF Brett Wisely has been designated for assignment, an expected outcome after he had previously been bumped down the depth chart by the acquisition of Gavin Lux.
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 30: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on after a play against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 30, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
UPDATE: Luka Dončić has been downgraded to out vs. the Warriors due to a left hamstring strain.
Luka Dončić is officially ruled out and Luke Kennard is questionable vs. the Warriors. pic.twitter.com/gQ5Ig4HPMF
Luka injured his leg during LA’s recent game against the Sixers and had to exit the contest.
While it’s not good that Luka will be missing action, the overall sentiment seems to be that his injury won’t force him to miss a large portion of the season.
With the All-Star break coming up, perhaps Luka can use the time off from regular-season play to heal his body and get ready for the final stretch of the year.
Also worth noting, Luke Kennard is questionable for this contest, as his trade to the Lakers is still pending. LA sent Gabe Vincent to Atlanta in exchange for Kennard as the team’s sole transaction prior to the NBA trade deadline.
After the win, Lakers head coach JJ Redick didn’t have an update on Luka, but he did say that Dončić would get an MRI to indicate the severity of the injury.
The Lakers haven’t officially given a statement on their superstar guard, but Dave McMenamin of ESPN is reporting that there’s optimism that the injury is not a major one.
There is some initial optimism that Luka Doncic is not dealing with a major issue with his left hamstring, however the Lakers star is doubtful to play Saturday against the Golden State Warriors, sources told ESPN
Luka’s importance to the Lakers cannot be understated.
He is their best player and the NBA’s leading scorer, averaging 33.4 points per game. LA playing without him for an extended period of time would make winning that much harder.
Also, if he were to miss significant time, the Lakers would once again be playing shorthanded. Now that Austin Reaves is back, there was hope that the Lakers could have their entire rotation healthy for the first time since mid-December.
Luka has dealt with hamstring injuries before. As a Dallas Maverick, he suffered a hamstring injury late in the 2022-23 season that forced him to miss some games.
Hopefully, this update means Luka will miss little to no games due to this injury.
While Luka avoided a worst-case scenario, this injury does put his first All-Star appearance as a Laker at risk. Luka was named a starter for the game, but with it taking place on Feb. 15, he might choose to rest his body rather than play against Team USA.
If Luka does miss some additional regular-season games, it will hurt chances of remaining eligible for the NBA’s end-of-season awards. Currently, Luka has missed seven games due to injury. He can only miss 10 more games to remain eligible.
Still, even if he does miss some time, it doesn’t seem like it will ultimately derail his season or the Lakers’ chances of competing in the Western Conference.
The Lakers are currently fifth in the West, but just three and a half games back of the No. 2 seed.
